National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30Cal Rifle W/ Underwood Barrel 1943 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,475.00

LSB#: LSB250822BL021

Make: National Postal Meter

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 1943617

Year of Manufacture: September 1943, Barrel date 8-43

Caliber: .30 Carbine

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, detachable magazine fed carbine. 

Markings: 

The top-rear receiver:  “NATIONAL POSTAL METER 1943617”   

The top-front receiver: “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”. The bottom lug “17”.   

The barrel: “UNDERWOOD 8-43” with a flaming Bomb.         

The front sight is marked “N” 

The barrel band is marked “SI” for International Silver Co.

The slide is marked “7160091” and “PI” on the inside. For Packard Inland.

The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.

The left side of the trigger group is marked: “N” and “16”. This is a National Postal Meter Part.  

The safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part.  

The magazine release is marked “M” and “W.I.”. for Wadsworth Watch Case CO.

The hammer is marked “W” for Winchester

The sear is marked “B1” most likely IBM

The upper handguard is marked “IO” for Inland Overton 

The Stock is marked with a “P” acceptance stamp on the grip and a “77”. Just in front of the sling cut is marked “STD PROD RWH” indicating this rifle may have been refurbished or inspected by Standard Products Co as part of a post war inspection.

The oiler is unmarked  

The magazine is marked “U”

Barrel Length: 18″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears.  The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a serrated windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.     

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, rotary safety and a checkered metal butt plate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The wood shows minor lines, light scratches, and compressions scattered throughout. The most notable marrs are rub wear from the sling and a chipped scuff on the belly. On the right side of the receiver lug there is a small chip in the wood. The left side of the upper handguard shows a small chip as well. There are no visible cracks. The metal butt plate has retained the majority of its finish and shows rub marks around the edges. Overall this stock set is in about Very Good+ condition.       

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes one 15 round magazine in Very Good condition.  

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original  

Bore Condition:  The bore is very bright and the rifling is defined. There is no visible erosion or pitting. The bore is very clean. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish shows some minor green discoloration from age. The bolt and receiver show minimal rub wear on the friction surfaces. The barrel shows some very minor scattered marks with brown discoloration on the bottom. The front sight shows rub wear on the wings. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  This rifle includes the magazine, sling and yellow chamber flag.

Our Assessment: This National Postal Meter M1 Carbine was assembled in late 1943 and is a strong example of wartime collaboration and subcontracting among the various prime contractors and their suppliers. National Postal Meter, originally a manufacturer of postage meters, was tasked with producing carbines despite having no prior firearms manufacturing experience. The company assembled just over 413,000 M1 Carbines between late 1942 and mid-1944, making it one of the more limited-production prime contractors. This example features an Underwood-marked 8-43 dated barrel, not un-common in mid production runs when the U.S. government shifted supply chains to meet high wartime demand.

This carbine has an interesting combination of wartime and post war parts including the Standard Products marked stock indicating a rebuild or inspection by Standard Products. The rifle also features an IBM trigger group and Packard Inland slide. National Postal Meter relied heavily on subcontractors due to its lack of manufacturing base, and this carbine contains the typical mosaic of parts made by dozens of companies, yet they were carefully assembled to meet ordnance specifications. This rifle’s Underwood barrel and key subcontractor components, makes it a desirable example of National Postal Meter’s short but impactful contribution to the war effort. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.